MSC Cruises, Northern Europe from Hamburg, April 14, 2024

Cruising from: Hamburg, Germany;

Departure Date: 14 April, 2024;

Cruise Line: MSC Cruises;

Cruise Ship: MSC Euribia;

Duration: 13-day cruise;

Ports of Call: Hamburg, Rotterdam, Brest, La Rochelle, Bilbao, Cherbourg, Southampton, Bruges, Kiel;

Day 0 Hamburg, Germany

Straddling the Rive Elbe, Hamburg is Germany's second largest city and is affectionately known as the Gateway to the World, thanks to its rich maritime history and its privileged position as one of the premier sea ports in Europe. The best way to take in the Hamburg's culture and history is to hop aboard the Maritime Circle Line, a shuttle service which connects all of Hamburg's most important maritime attractions.

Day 1 At Sea, At Sea

Wonderful day at Sea.

Day 2 Rotterdam, Netherlands

The port of Rotterdam is the largest port in Europe. The terminal is situated within the so called 'Manhattan on the Maas' right in the City Centre. The city of Rotterdam is known for the Erasmus University, riverside setting, lively cultural life and its maritime heritage. A few square kilometres of the city centre offers a complete overview of what the twentieth century has produced in terms of modern architecture.

Day 3 At Sea, At Sea

Wonderful day at Sea.

Day 4 Brest, France

Brest, located in the region of Brittany, is one of the most animated harbor. Dramatic rocky coastline is more than 1000 km long. Brest is best known for sailing festival organized every four years - more than 2,000 traditional boats take part in the event, which is attended by nearly 700,000 spectators. Since everything is inspired by water, Brest has been the European capital of oceanography.

Day 5 La Rochelle, France

Known as La Ville Blanche (the White City), La Rochelle is one of France's foremost seaports from the 14th to 17th centuries. The focus of the town is the old harbour, a lovely part of the town and very picturesque with its two monumental towers (St Nicolas Tower and the Tower of the Chain) either side of the port entrance.

Day 6 Bilbao, Spain

No trip to Spain is complete without a visit to Bilbao, a city steeped in fascinating history and beautiful architecture. Many of the city's best known sights can be appreciated on a stroll around the cobbled lanes of Bilbao's Casco Viejo (Old Town). Guggenheim Museum has attracted millions of tourists to the Basque capital to see this truly spectacular monument.

Day 7 At Sea, At Sea

Wonderful day at Sea.

Day 8 Cherbourg, France

Known to the British above all as a ferry port, Cherbourg has a gritty history as a naval harbour. It also has glamorous connections with cruise ships and major yacht races. The Cherbourg-Octeville's marina, with its 1350 hoops, is just within a few encablures from the Channel Island. The right heart of town is situated in its fishing port and marina. Cruise ships will dock at the Quay de France or at Quai de Normandie.

Day 9 Southampton, England

Known as the cruise capital of Europe, the Port of Southampton is a passenger and cargo port located in the central part of the south coast of England. There are four dedicated cruise terminals at Southampton which play host to a wide variety of cruise lines. Southampton is one of the most lively and dynamic cities in the south of England. From bustling shops and marinas to seaside resorts and areas of outstanding natural beauty, the city and region have lots to offer.

Day 10 Bruges, Belgium

Zeebrugge is a Belgian port and seaside resort. It's linked to the city of Bruges by the Baudouin Canal. Located in the Flanders region of northern Belgium, Bruges is the closest thing you're likely to find in the real world to a fairytale city. The focal point of the town is Grote Markt, a large medieval square overlooked by the most perfect belfry you'll ever see. Bruges is also home to a number of fascinating art and history museums, with the Groeninge Museum being one of the best.

Day 11 At Sea, At Sea

Wonderful day at Sea.

Day 12 At Sea, At Sea

Wonderful day at Sea.

Day 13 Kiel, Germany

Kiel is a port on both sides of the Kiel Fjord, an inlet of the western Baltic Sea, and lies at the eastern end of the Kiel Canal. Kiel has a long shipbuilding and naval tradition but today it is characterised by its vibrant student scene, laid-back lifestyle and urban flair. The city features shipping and ethnography museums, and the Institute of Marine Biology contains an aquarium. The main tourist attraction is the Kieler Woche (Kiel Week) at the end of June, an international regatta and cultural festival.